The Power of Open Source for Business

Dennis Wolf, former CFO of MySQL, is in the hospital undergoing treatment for neuromyelitis optica (NMO) also known as Devic's Disease. This is a spinal cord inflammation with similarities to Multiple Sclerosis. Dennis is a very special guy to get such a rare disease. He's also a tough son-of-a-gun, so I have no doubt that he will put this behind him with a full recovery just as he did 18 years ago. But it will take some time, attention and help from many people.

He has started Plasmapheresis treatment tonight whereby they pump out his plasma, remove the anti-bodies and pump in fresh-frozen plasma. This can take several sessions before there are results, but the doctors are confident that this is what's needed.

Overall, Dennis is in good spirits and is dealing well with the discomfort. Dennis is quite happy if folks get the word out on his condition via twitter, email, blogs etc.

Dennis: We Dolphins owe so much to you. Some of my fondest memories of MySQL are of you, your brilliance, your passion, your compassion, your vision for the company, and your strength. It’s that strength that will help you through this and help bring a speedy recovery.

Today, the way I can thank you for all you’ve done is to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

We're all hoping for a speedy reenactment of that first full recovery. I think many of us never knew about the first time until now, but we do know that you're amazing for many reasons, so I look forward to learning that you've prevailed again soon.

Dennis, as I know you from many invigorating discussions, you are a fantatstic role model when it comes to mentally and physically coping with diseases. Your attitude and stamina has helped you and others before; it will do so this time, too.